Applying Breaks to a Table

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to group and organize report data using breaks to improve readability and analysis in a Web Intelligence document.

Breaks

Watch the video to apply breaks to a table.

Add a Break

To insert a break, use the Build panel.

The Year column header is highlighted in the table, and the Breaks on Lines panel lists Year and Quarter as active breaks.

Break Parameters

Edit Break Properties panel enables break footer, sorting, and fold/unfold options, with Display first value selected for duplicate values in the Breaks on Lines settings.

The Break Properties dialog box provides options such as:

  • Break header: You see a header for each part of the table, cross table, or form when you insert a break.
  • Value based break: The break footer and header appear only for the values you select.
  • Display all values: This shows all values in the break, even if there are duplicates.
  • Merge values: This merges cells with duplicate values and shows a single value over the merged cells.
  • Repeat first value on new page: This shows the first value in a group of duplicate values at the start of the break and on each new page.
  • Start on a new page: This shows each part of the table or form created by a break on a new page.
  • Repeat header on every page: This repeats the header at the top of the table on every new page when a table displays on more than one page.

For more information about this topic, please read SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence User's Guide

Print Layout Modes

You can switch between two viewing modes based on how you want to work with data and how you want the data to appear.

  • Quick Display mode: This default mode is best for on-screen viewing. You see a set number of rows and columns per page based on your settings.
  • Print Layout mode: This mode shows how your report will look when printed or exported as a PDF file.

In Design mode, you can switch between viewing modes by selecting the Show Print Layout icon in the Main toolbar.

In Reading mode, the icon appears in the Vanishing toolbar at the bottom of the report canvas.

When the icon is off, the report shows in Quick Display mode.

Selecting the print icon opens options to choose print layout with size and orientation or quick display mode with adjustable rows and columns.

Let's Summarize What You've Learned

  • Breaks help organize report data by grouping and visually separating it based on selected dimensions.
  • Adding breaks automatically creates subtotals, making it easier to review grouped data without manual calculations.
  • You can customize break headers, footers, and display options to fit your reporting needs.
  • Switch between Quick Display and Print Layout modes to view reports on-screen or as they will appear when printed.

Display Table Data with Breaks

Business Example

Your manager asks you to analyze the sales performance of specific product lines, focusing on Accessories and Sweaters. You are tasked with organizing the data to identify trends in Quantity Sold by Line, Category, and Product. Present your findings in a structured format for easier decision-making.

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Learning

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